Star-filled Christmas concert at the Vatican to build new churches in Rome

Vatican City, Dec 17, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Pope John Paul II told the 90 performers who will perfrom at the Christmas in the Vatican Concert that it “helps support the building of new churches, especially on the periphery of our diocese.” He said he hoped that tomorrow's concert would “once again attain its noble goal.”

“Various song and concert initiatives, such as yours,” added John Paul II, “are promoted during the Christmas season in parishes, schools and other milieux. I hope that they, together with other traditional and evocative signs, such as the nativity scenes and the Christmas tree, will contribute to facilitating people's encounter with the Savior Who, born in Bethlehem, offered men of all times His message of truth and love.”

He closed with “fervent Christmas wishes for the promoters, organizers and artists of the concert and all who watch it on television.”